Revolt of the Sepoys

The Revolt of the Sepoys , Sepaios or Sepais (from Hindi shipahi , meaning “soldier”), also known as the “Indian Revolt of 1857”, was a popular armed insurrection that took place in India between 1857 and 1859.

Indeed, it was carried out by Hindu and Muslim soldiers, against British domination and exploitation, and can be considered the first Indian independence movement.

Historical Context

From the outset, we should highlight that throughout the 19th century, imperialist England held world hegemony and exploited the resources, labor and consumer market of its colonies, including India. Therefore, it is worth noting that this uprising was limited to the central and northern provinces, while southern India was not involved in the conflict.

Thus, on March 19, 1857, Mangal Panday (1827-1857) led the Sepoys, killing several English officers, but captured and executed, he became a martyr in the “First Indian War of Independence”.

Subsequently, on May 10, 1857, the “11th Bengal Cavalry Regiment” mutinied in Meerut and proceeded to Delhi, conquering the city and killing many Europeans. In July, British reinforcements begin to arrive and, after a few weeks of fighting, they defeat the sepoy army. In 1859, the contingent of British soldiers increased significantly and the movement was finally brought under control.

Main Causes

One of the main causes of the revolt was the compulsory enlistment of young Indians in the army of the "British East India Company", which represented the English Crown in India. These soldiers had to guarantee all the security of the transport and commercialization of the products that circulated in the colony.

Furthermore, the recruitment mixed members of various castes and caused dissatisfaction among the Brahmins and Kshatriyas. To top it off, these approximately 200,000 sepoys (for 40,000 British soldiers) were dissatisfied with the appalling working conditions and low pay.

Another thing frowned upon by the population were the missions that preached Christianity, as well as the policy of annexation of territories, the death of the leader without heirs, undertaken by the British.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the great trigger, which was the use of animal fat from cows and pigs to waterproof the ammunition of the rifles used by the Indian soldiers.

As they had to tear the capsules with their mouth, they ended up ingesting that fat, which was considered intolerable since it was sacred, both by Hindus (cow) and Muslims (pork).

Main Consequences

When the uprisings ended, the insurgents were executed and the British East India Company was extinguished, beginning the direct administration of the British Crown in August 1858, when England had a viceroy of India and the British integrated the government posts. in the colonial administration.

Furthermore, the viceroy put an end to the policy of annexations, established religious tolerance and admitted Indians into public service. Finally, Queen Victoria became Empress of India in 1877.

Independence of India
India